Group text

A text/chat message conversation initiated by a person (the sender) to multiple parties (the recipients) simultaneously, with every person involved being able to see one another’s personal contact information. Group texts are appropriate, and even encouraged, when individuals must collaborate on an event or project, of which all are consenting participants. Initiating a group text to those who have not expressed a desire to be part of said group is a social faux pas for reasons related to privacy. Often a group text is sent out of a selfish desire for convenience, since it allows the sender to blast every recipient simultaneously. This demonstrates the sender’s thoughtlessness and lack of respect in how they wield the power/privilege that is knowing a person’s private phone number/email address or other contact information. This is especially true when recipients of the group text are not all acquaintances and therefore may not be comfortable with having their personal contact information made available to strangers. This can result in subsequent unwanted messages from unknown senders, including creepers and other undesirables. Additionally, group texts can quickly turn into an unmanageable nuisance if the group is somewhat large. When assessing an acceptable quantity of persons to include in a group text, consider a size that could comfortably sustain a conversation at a dinner table, while allowing for every member to express themselves and be heard.